Architectural Heritage of the Caribbean

Better known for its sand and sea, the Caribbean is also home to a wealth of historic buildings. As a region colonised by Spanish, French, British and Dutch settlers, its architecture reflects an unparalleled variety of colonial influences. Its buildings are also testimony to a history of slavery and constant immigration, revealing the legacy of African, Asian and African styles and techniques. The wealth of the islands' sugar plantations has left behind a tradition of "great houses", while inter-European conflict can still be traced to many well-preserved forts and naval bases. Spanish cathedrals and convents, Dutch gabled warehouses, English country houses and French ironwork market buildings: all these have survived the perils of earthquakes and hurricanes. Featuring over one thousand architectural sites across the region, this comprehensive guide describes churches, plantation houses, fortresses and ordinary homes. With a useful glossary of architectural terms and advice on what to look out for, it covers notable and interesting buildings in every island from the Bahamas down to Trinidad.